Single dose package with applicator

ABSTRACT

A single-dose package designed to allow the application by pressure of a product using the package.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a single-dose package designed to allow the application by pressure of a product by means of the package.

BACKGROUND ART

There are currently single-dose packages which contain a single dose of product.

These packages do not lend themselves to products whose correct application requires a certain pressure to be applied to the application surface. A type of product whose correct application requires the use of a certain pressure on the application surface is lipstick.

AIM OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the invention is to provide a single-dose package for a product which must be applied on an application surface and which requires, for the purposes of the correct application, exerting a certain pressure on the application surface, by means of which a user can easily perform the application by means of the package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of a single-dose package according to the invention are described in detail below relative to a possible example embodiment of a package according to the invention.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a package according to the invention, in a closed condition of the package;

FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of a possible embodiment of a package according to the invention, in the same closed condition;

FIG. 3 is a view of the section III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view from below of the embodiment, in the closed condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment whilst the embodiment adopts an intermediate condition between the closed condition and an open condition;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment whilst the embodiment adopts the open condition;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 4, with a respective additional visual element designed to represent in a schematic fashion a possible feature of the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 3, with a respective additional visual element designed to represent schematically the feature of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a component of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The numeral 1 in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 indicates a possible example embodiment of a package according to this description. The term “package” is used below to mean the possible example embodiment.

The package 1 is configured to allow a user to apply a product, using the package 1, initially contained in the package, on an application surface on which the user wishes to apply the product. The package 1 is in particular designed to allow and/or facilitate the application where the application requires a pressure or friction between an element for applying the product and the application surface. The element for applying the product, in the package 1, is an absorbent element 52, in which the product is absorbed. The absorbent element 52 is represented very schematically in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9.

The package 1 comprises a semi-rigid structural sheet 2.

The package comprises an opening system. The opening system comprises a weakness 3. An opening system is configured so that the weakness 3 allows a user to cause a movement of said package 1 from a closed condition to an open condition. The weakness 3 is also configured for guiding the movement of the package 1 from the closed condition to the open condition.

The weakness 3 comprises a line of weakness. The line of weakness is configured in such a way that the movement of the package 1 occurs around the line of weakness. The line of weakness is situated on the structural sheet 2. The line of weakness is made by microscopic incision and/or flattening of the material of the structural sheet 2.

The line of weakness defines, on the structural sheet 2, a tab 6.

The package comprises a flexible covering sheet 4. The flexible covering sheet 4 is fixed on the structural sheet 2 in such a way as to form a space V. The space V is interposed between the structural layers 2 and the covering sheet 4. The space V, in the closed condition of the package, is closed. The space V is visible in cross-section in FIG. 3.

The line of weakness divides the structural sheet 2 into a first area 21 and a second area 22. The first area 21 and second area 22 are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The second area 22 is also indicated in FIG. 6. FIG. 4 shows the package 1 from below and therefore seen from the side of the face of the structural sheet 2 facing the opposite side relative to the space or covering sheet. In FIG. 4, as in FIGS. 1 to 3, the package 1 is in the closed condition. FIG. 5 shows the package 1 in an intermediate condition between the closed condition and the open condition, for example during the movement from the closed condition to the open condition. FIG. 6 shows the package 1 in the open condition.

The first area 21 comprises a main portion 211 and the tab 6. The tab 6 therefore belongs to the first area 21 of the structural sheet 2 or is situated on the first area 21 of the structural sheet 2.

The tab 6, in the closed condition of the package 1, protrudes from the first area 21 towards the second area 22.

The package comprises a system for applying the product. The application system is configured to allow a user to perform the above-mentioned application when the package 1 adopts the open condition and by means of the package 1 itself. The application system, in the closed condition of the package 1, is situated in the space V.

The application system comprises an applicator 5. The applicator is indicated with a dashed line in FIGS. 1 and 2, since it is covered by the covering sheet 4. FIG. 9 shows the isolated applicator 5. FIGS. 3 and 8 show the applicator 5 according to cross-section III-III of FIG. 2. The applicator 5 is indicated in FIG. 6. The applicator 5, at least in the closed condition, keeps the product in position in the space V. The applicator 5 also keeps the product in position in the open condition of the package 1 and during the movement of the package 1 from the closed condition to the open condition.

The application system and the opening system are configured in such a way that, in the open condition, at least a part of the applicator 5 protrudes outside said space V. The applicator 5 protrudes from the space V, in the open condition of the package 1, in such a way as to allow a user to apply said product by moving said at least a part of said applicator 5 in contact with the above-mentioned application surface.

The package 1 can be easily handled by the user for applying the product. The product could be, for example, a solid-type lipstick.

The at least a part of the applicator 5 comprises at least the application element or absorbent element 52.

The at least a part of the applicator 5 is situated, in the closed condition of the package 1, on the tab 6. In that way, when the package 1 is in the open condition, the at least a part of the applicator 5 is positioned in such a way as to facilitate the above-mentioned application of the product by the user, who is easily able, manoeuvring the at least a part of the applicator 5 directly or through the tab 6, to apply the product generating a suitable movement of the at least a part of the applicator 5 in contact with the application surface and/or simultaneously suitably pressing the at least a part of the applicator 5 on the application surface.

The applicator 5 comprises a support 51 and the absorbent element 52. The support 51 supports the absorbent element 52. The absorbent element 52 is fixed to the support 51. The application system and opening system are configured so that the closed condition of the package 1 corresponds to a first position of said absorbent element 52 relative to said space V. In the first position of said absorbent element 52 relative to said space V, for example as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 8, the absorbent element 52 is situated inside said space V. In this first position, the absorbent element is inside the space V, together with the entire applicator 5.

The application system and opening system are configured so that said open condition of the package 1 corresponds to a second position of said absorbent element 52 relative to said space V. In the second position of said absorbent element 52 relative to the space V, shown in FIG. 6, the absorbent element 52 is outside said space V. Thus, in the open condition of the package 1, at least the absorbent element 52 is situated outside the space V.

The application system and the opening system are configured in such a way that, in the open condition of the package 1, the absorbent element 52 faces directly towards the outside of the package 1.

This facilitates the operation for applying the product by the user, who can easily manoeuvre the absorbent element 52. With the interposing of the support 51 and, if necessary, also of the tab 6, the user can manoeuvre the absorbent element 52, for precisely applying the product in the desired manner on the application surface.

The absorbent element 52 is fixed and/or positioned on the support 51 in such a way that, in the open condition of the package 1, a user can rub the absorbent element 52 on the surface, manoeuvring the support 51, so as to apply the product on the application surface.

The application system is configured so that the support 51, in the closed condition of the package 1, extends astride between said tab 6 and said main portion 211 of the first area 21, in such a way as to define a first portion 511 and a second portion 512 of the support 51. The first portion 511 and second portion 512 of the support 51 are indicated in FIG. 4, and in FIGS. 7 to 9.

In this closed condition, the first portion 511 of the support 51 is situated on the tab 6. The absorbent element 52 is fixed and/or positioned on the first portion 511 of the support 51. The second portion 512 of the support 51 is situated on the main portion 211 of the first area 21 of the structural sheet 2.

The opening system and the application system are configured so that said movement of the package 1 ensures that the tab 6 separates completely from the second area 22 of the structural sheet 2. Thus, in the open condition of the package 1, the application or absorbent element 52 remains well uncovered to facilitate application of the product by the user. In particular, the use of the package 1 for the purposes of applying the product is facilitated, if the product to be applied is a lipstick, or similar product, which the user wishes to apply on their lips and which requires, for its correct application, pressing the application element on the application surface and at the same time moving it relative to the application surface.

The line of weakness comprises a first lateral sector 31. The line of weakness comprises a second lateral sector 32.

The line of weakness comprises a central sector 33. The positioning of the central sector 33 is in particular visible in FIG. 4. The central sector 33 is interposed between the lateral sectors 31 and 32.

The lateral sectors 31 and 32 delimit said main portion 211 of said first area 21 of the structural sheet 2. The central sector 33 describes a recess relative to the lateral sectors 31 and 32, in such a way that the central sector 33 delimits and defines the tab 6.

In particular, the opening system is configured so that, following said movement of the package 1, the central sector 33 breaks in such a way as to separate completely the tab 6 relative to said second area 22 of said structural sheet 2.

It should be considered that the movement from the closed condition to the open condition of the package 1 is obtained by the user by imparting to the structural sheet 2 and covering sheet 3 a moment of rotation about the line of weakness, which defines the tab 6, on which the support 51 is positioned, which in turn comprises, as mentioned above, a first portion 511, located on the tab 6, and a second portion 512, positioned on the main portion 211 of the first area 21 of the structural sheet 2. The positioning of the first portion 511 and of the second portion 512 of the support 51 is such that, during the movement of the structural sheet 2 and the covering sheet 3, following this moment of rotation, the support 51 facilitates the breaking of the central sector 33 of the line of weakness, in such a way that the tab 6 separates at least partly, and preferably completely, from the second area 22 of the structural sheet 2. In this way, the support 51, as well as supporting the application element 52, which in turn keeps the product in position and allows the application, also performs the function of facilitating the separation of the tab 6, in such a way as to optimise, for the purposes of this application, the positioning of the application element 52 in the open condition of the package 1.

The application system comprises a constraint 53. The support 51 is connected or fixed to said structural sheet 2, and in particular to the first area 21 of the structural sheet 2, by means of the constraint 53. The constraint 53 extends preferably only on a transition zone between said first portion 511 and second portion 512 of the support 51. In that way, the end portions of said first portion 511 and second portion 512 are uncovered. In this way a saving is obtained for the operations for obtaining the constraint 53 and the function of assisting the breakage of the central sector 33 is improved, a function which is performed at least partly by the support 51. In particular, the constraint 53, if it extends only in the transition zone between the first portion 511 and the second portion 512, practically defines a hinge line between the structural sheet 2 and the support 51, and preferably between the first area 21 of the structural sheet 2 and the support 51. The hinge line is situated along the transition zone between the tab 6 and the main portion 211 of the first area.

The constraint could be a welding line interposed between the first portion 511 and the second portion 512 and/or between the tab 6 and the main portion 211 of the first area 21 of the structural sheet 2.

The support 51 and the structural sheet 2 are fixed to one another on respective faces both made of polypropylene or polyethylene or polyactic acid. In this way, the operation for obtaining the welding is facilitated.

The package 1 may be used to contain a single dose of product for a single use of the product, the dose being kept in position by and absorbed in the absorbent or application element 52. The package 1 is also configured to allow this use to be performed by means of the package 1 itself, in particular and advantageously if the correct use of the product requires its application on an application surface by moving the application element and pressing it on that surface. For example, the product could be a solid or liquid lipstick.

The single-dose package can be opened with a single hand, and is configured in such a way as to allow a user to perform the application of a product on an application surface by using the package. The package is designed to allow and/or facilitate the application where the application requires a pressure or friction between an element for applying the product and the application surface. The element for applying the product is an absorbent element in which the product is absorbed. 

1. A single-dose package for the application by pressure of a product on an application surface, comprising: a semi-rigid structural sheet; an opening system comprising a weakness to allow a user to cause a movement of the package from a closed condition to an open condition; a flexible covering sheet fixed on the structural sheet in such a way as to form a space between the layers, the space being closed in the closed condition of the package; a system for application of the product which, in the closed condition, is situated in the space; wherein: the application system comprises an applicator which, at least in the closed condition, keeps the product in position in the space; the application system and the opening system are configured in such a way that, in the open condition, at least a part of the applicator protrudes outside the space, so as to allow a user to apply the product by moving the at least one part of the applicator in contact with the application surface.
 2. The package according to claim 1, wherein: the weakness comprises a line of weakness configured in such a way that the movement of the package occurs around the line of weakness; the line of weakness is situated on the structural sheet and defines, on the structural sheet, a tab, the at least a part of the applicator being located, in the closed condition of the package, on the tab.
 3. The package according to claim 2, wherein the applicator comprises a support and an absorbent element, in which the product is absorbed, the absorbent element being supported by the support, the application system and the opening system being configured so that: the closed condition of the package corresponds to a first position of the absorbent element relative to the space, in which the absorbent element is inside the space; the open condition of the package corresponds to a second position of the absorbent element relative to the space, in which the absorbent element is outside the space; the absorbent element is fixed on the support in such a way that, in the open condition of the package, a user can rub the absorbent element on the surface, manoeuvring the support, so as to apply the product on the application surface.
 4. The package according to claim 3, wherein the application system and the opening system are configured in such a way that, in the open condition, the absorbent element faces directly towards the outside of the package.
 5. The package according to claim 4, wherein: the line of weakness divides the structural sheet into a first area and a second area; the first area comprises a main portion and the tab; the tab, in the closed condition of the package, protrudes from the first area towards the second area.
 6. The package according to claim 5, wherein the support, at least in the closed condition, extends astride the tab and the main portion, in such a way as to define a first portion and a second portion of the support, the first portion of the support being located on the tab and the absorbent element being fixed on the first portion of the support 51, the second portion of the support being located on the main portion.
 7. The package according to claim 6, wherein the application system comprises a constraint by means of which the support is connected to the structural sheet, the constraint extending only on a transition area between the first portion and the second portion, in such a way that the end portions of the first portion and second portion are free.
 8. The package according to claim 7, wherein the constraint is a welding line interposed between the first portion and second portion.
 9. The package according to claim 5, wherein: the line of weakness comprises a first lateral sector and a second lateral sector; the line of weakness comprises a central sector interposed between the lateral sectors; the lateral sectors delimit the main portion of the first area, and the central sector describes a recess relative to the lateral sectors, in such a way that the central sector delimits and defines the tab.
 10. The package according to claim 9, wherein the opening system is configured so that, following the movement of the package, the central sector breaks in such a way as to separate completely the tab relative to the second area of the structural sheet.
 11. The package according to claim 3, wherein the support and the structural sheet are fixed to one another on respective faces both made of polypropylene or polyethylene or polyactic acid. 